Protection options for international moves.
International shipments face extended transit, multiple handling stages, customs inspections, and port operations. Terra helps clients understand available protection options so your belongings are covered appropriately.
Total Loss Protection
Designed for catastrophic events affecting the complete shipment. This option may be available for clients who pack their own boxes or choose a basic service level.
Full Coverage Protection
Available when the shipment is professionally packed according to applicable requirements. This option may cover partial loss, partial damage, total loss, or total damage depending on policy terms.
Specialty handling for valuable and irreplaceable items.
Terra has experience coordinating careful handling and special packing for high-value pieces, collectors, auction-house-related shipments, and delicate items that require additional attention throughout the relocation process.
Declaring value and proving ownership.
Declaring a value is an important step, but it is not sufficient by itself. In the event of a claim, the insurer may require proof of value. This can include purchase invoices, professional appraisals, auction records, photographs showing condition, and other supporting documentation.
For example, if a client declares artwork at a high value, the insurer may request an independent appraisal, purchase receipt, or gallery documentation to substantiate that value during the claims process.
Terra assists clients with understanding documentation requirements during the planning stage. Proper preparation before shipment helps ensure smoother claims processing if needed.
Insurance transparency
Insurance is subject to policy terms, exclusions, deductibles, documentation requirements, and claim review. Terra helps clients understand available options but does not guarantee claim outcomes. Protection options may be available depending on packing level and shipment details.
Concierge-level planning support is included with Terra coordination.
Protection options questions.
Is insurance required for an international move?
Insurance is not legally required in most cases, but Terra strongly recommends protection coverage for international shipments. The risks during ocean transit, customs handling, and destination delivery make protection an important consideration.
What is total loss protection?
Total loss protection is designed for catastrophic events affecting the complete shipment — such as loss at sea, fire, or total container damage. It generally does not cover individual partial damage or loss of specific items.
What is full coverage protection?
Full coverage protection may cover partial loss, partial damage, total loss, or total damage depending on policy terms. It is typically available when the shipment is professionally packed according to applicable requirements.
Can I pack my own boxes and get full coverage?
Self-packed (packed by owner) boxes may not qualify for full coverage protection. Total loss protection may still be available. Terra recommends professional packing for items you want covered under full coverage terms.
What documents are needed for high-value items?
High-value items may require appraisals, purchase invoices, photographs, condition reports, or other supporting documentation to substantiate declared value in the event of a claim.
Are pianos and fine art covered?
Pianos, fine art, and other high-value specialty items can be covered under protection plans when properly documented, professionally packed, and custom crated. Coverage terms depend on the policy and declared value.
What happens if I do not submit insurance paperwork?
Without proper insurance documentation and declared values, coverage may be limited or unavailable. Terra assists clients with paperwork during the planning stage to help ensure proper protection is in place before shipment.
How is declared value reviewed?
Declared value is the total amount assigned to the shipment. In the event of a claim, the insurer may review declared values against supporting documentation. Under-declared or undocumented items may receive limited compensation.
Questions about protection options?
Your Terra relocation specialist will review available protection options based on your shipment details, packing level, and declared values.
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